Yoo Mia had come over again to play with Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyeong, the two showing off how much they knew animals the little girl, with all their books scattered around the garden. Luckily for Dokja, this time around when the princess had come, she hadn't brought up the subject that they'd left on last time. In fact, she was actually significantly nicer this time around! Though, 'nicer' meant that she had the manners to only scoff at him once, and not be actively call him ugly in every sentence she spoke. While Dokja felt like she was only doing it for her big brother, or for Gilyeong and Yoosung, he appreciated it, nonetheless.
The kids quickly got bored of reading and started chasing each other around the garden, their playful shrieks scaring away the birds that had been resting peacefully in the trees and birdbaths. Dokja had only been absent mindedly paying attention to them, engrossed in his novel, and eating the cookies the Persephone had prepared for all of them.
He looked up when he vaguely realized that he could no longer hear the children, realizing that the children were no longer in the garden. They had probably left to run around the manor when the garden had gotten too small for their antics. While he trusted the children not to cause too much trouble for the staff, Dokja decided to get up and look around for them, lest they accidently hurt themselves while no adult was there to help them.
Though, as he searched for them Dokja wondered if they were playing a game of hide and seek instead, since he couldn't seem to find the children anywhere. He was about to go to Heewon to ask her for help when suddenly someone's arms had wrapped around his waist from behind. Dokja yelled in surprise, squirming around to get out of their grasp when they spoke.
"It's me, sorry, I didn't mean to surprise you..."
"Your Highness?" Dokja said, loosening the grip from the hug and turning to look at Joonghyuk. He tilted his head, sensing that something was wrong from Joonghyuk's expression. Joonghyuk's usually stoic face looked more somber today. Dokja knew he was probably busy dealing with the fiasco around the emperor's collapse the other day, but maybe something else happened. Dokja extended his hand and gingerly placed it on Joonghyuk's cheek.
"Is there something wrong?"
However, Joonghyuk just stared at him and hugged him again without answering the question."... just let me hug you," Joonghyuk said, putting his head on Dokja's shoulder while tightening his hold, the weight of his body pressing down on Dokja as he let out a relieved breath. Sense that something had happened, but not wanting to force Joonghyuk to tell him what was bothering him, Dokja simply hugged him back, offering comfort and silent support.
After a few moments, they slowly separated and stared at each other."Are you okay now?" Joonghyuk nodded in response. Dokja continued, "You don't have to say anything... Just know that I'm here for you," with a comforting smile on his face. Joonghyuk stared at him for a moment before giving a small smile in return, a sparkle of gold lighting up in his eyes. Seeing that, Dokja thought that perhaps it was just the reflection of the manor's lights. He was about to lean in for a closer look, however, their moment was interrupted by someone else.
"Brother?" Mia called out in confusion as she walked towards the pair, accompanied by Gilyeong and Yoosung.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her brow furrowing, "Are you here to take me home?"
Joonghyuk and Dokja exchanged looks, wordlessly coming to an agreement before turning their attention back to Mia. "No, Your Highness," Dokja began gently, "Your brother is not here to pick you up. He is here because..."
"I'm here for Kim Dokja. Don't worry, you play date can continue, you can keep playing with your friends"Joonghyuk said.
Dokja seized the opportunity and quickly chimed in, "Yes, that's right! We planned to spend some time together and enjoy the day. Isn't that right, Joonghyuk?" He smiled, trying to divert the attention away from the previous moment.
"Yes, that's right..." Joonghyuk said while nodding.
"Well then, you kids seem to be having fun, don't let us interrupt! Please excuse us…" Dokja said, taking hold of Joonghyuk's wrist. "If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call us or the maids. And be careful and don't cause too much trouble, se you!" With that, Dokja swiftly guided Joonghyuk out of the garden leaving Mia,Gilyeong, and Yoosung behind.
The three kids stared at them, their faces filled with confusion. Gilyeong broke the silence, "What was that?" They blinked, trying to make sense of the situation. Yoosung shrugged in response, unsure of what to think of it, but honestly from what she'd seen so far of her guardian and head from the family, such strange behavior wasn't exactly out of character for him. It like he was always up to no good . Mia crossed her arms against her chest, a frown creasing her forehead. "Yeah, they're acting so weird, aren't they…?" The kids were left pondering the mysterious behavior of Dokja and Joonghyuk.
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After arrived at the garden, Dokja let out a sigh of relief, "Phew, I think they bought it, he then turned his attention to Joonghyuk, who was staring at him intently, "Well, now that you're here, what are you actually planning on doing?" Dokja asked curiously.
"I though you said we'd spend our time together and enjoy the day…"
"Eh, I mean, I just said that so that the kids wouldn't question us…" Dokja said, but when Joonghyuk started to sulk at him, the hopeful expectancy in his eyes going dim, he quickly took back his words, "A-Ah! But if that's what you want to do, then of course we can hang out! Today is all about you now, big guy!"
Joonghyuk visibly lit up. Amusedly, Dokja thought that if he were a dog, his tail would be wagging back and forth."Is there anything that you had in mind?" But at Joonghyuk's blank stare, Dokja just sighed and racked his head for any ideas. He then remembered a spot that Han Sooyoung had bragged that she'd taken Yoo Sangah to recently.
"How about Constell Park, it'll probably be fun to get out of the manor for a bit so we don't have to interrupt the kids. A little stroll could be nice and peaceful."
After telling Heewon that the two of them would be heading out and promising her that they wouldn't be gone for long and asking her to look over the kids, the two of them headed out. They rode one of the Underworld Ducal's more casual carriages, not wanting to draw attention to themselves. After a short carriage ride, the two got out and were welcomed by lush greenery, the park before them looking more like an extravagant garden. Lavish trees softly rained leaves onto the visitors that were casually strolling under them, everyone admiring the beautiful landscape.
The numerous flower beds that dotted the park were immaculately framed by the stone pathing, guiding the park's guests from one breathtaking sight to another. Though, to Dokja's dawning embarrassment, he realized a little too late that he probably shouldn't have brought Joonghyuk to a place Sooyoung had come to with Sangah; the park was obviously a popular dating spot.
Around them were all sorts of couples, from young, teenage lovers that shamelessly exchanged affections like they were in a cheesy romcom to older married couples that were more reserved in their love. Internally groaning, Dokja glanced at Joonghyuk, who remained silent.
"Joonghyuk, if you want—"
"No, we are already here, let's enjoy ourselves," Joonghyuk insisted, reaching out to grasp Dokja's hand and guiding him into the garden without waiting for his response. Dokja managed a small smile and replied, "Right, well then, let's have a fun time together" He squeezed Joonghyuk's hand gently.
As they walked and explored the park, Dokja and Joonghyuk chose to ignore the couples around them. Instead, they focused on each other's company and the beauty of the surroundings, never letting go of one another's hand all the while. There were all types of flora to see, and even the occasional animal that skittled across the path. In the back of his head Dokja wondered if Shin Yoosung and Gilyeong would want to come here, but he dismissed the thought at the image of the two children trampling all over the flowers as they tried to catch the animals.
Maybe he'd recommend this park to Hades and Persephone, they're always so busy maintaining the dukedom that it's probably been a while since they've gone on a proper date with one another. If he was feeling especially cheeky maybe he'd tell Kim Namwoon to take Jihye here. Simple thoughts like that flitted in the back of his mind as he felt his mind and body relax, soaking in the mood around him.
Dokja felt a sense of contentment in Joonghyuk's presence, and he hoped that Joonghyuk felt the same. Making their way through the bustling park they came across an old man, a painter judging by his apron and easel, who waved them over with a friendly smile. "Wow, what a lovely couple," he exclaimed. "Do you mind if I paint both of you?"
Dokja and Joonghyuk exchanged glances, surprised by the painter's comment. The way the painter had addressed them being a couple, it was so much different than the nobles in the capital. While the latter would only do so through conspiratorial whispers and appalled gasps, the former openly called at them with genuine endearment.
Plus, all those other times, Dokja and Joonghyuk (most times) had merely been putting up a show for the nobles. To be mistaken for such even though they weren't even acting, well, both found that they had a surprisingly little amount of objection to it. After a silent glance at each other they nodded in agreement.
"We'd be honored," Dokja replied, a hint of bashfulness in his voice. They stood together, posing as the painter set up their canvas and began capturing their likeness. Warmth radiated between their bodies as they watched the artist skillfully bring their image to life on the canvas. After a few minutes intercut with the painter kindly asking them to adjust their posture for the painting, the old man giving his work to the two with a proud gusto.
Joonghyuk gave a silent thanks to the man, placing a few gold coins into his hand as Dokja grabbed the painting. As the two walked away, the painter gave them a cheerful wave before going to his next customer. Quite a line had grown behind Joonghyuk and Dokja as they were posing together, couples wanting to get themselves painted while also being curious at the picturesque men that looked so at home with each other.
"Wow, isn't it beautiful…" Dokja admired it in awe, his eyes fixed on the artwork as they continued walking.
The portrait of the two was a simple one, given the painter only had a few minutes to work on it, so none of the smaller details in the scenery could be captured. But it was through that simplicity that the quality and beauty of the painting shone through.
The vibrance of the flowers and how they contrasted the greenery of the park, the soft way leaves fluttered down as the passing breeze rustled the branches of the trees above it. Yoo Joonghyuk's strong, imposing body standing tall next to Dokja's more lithe figure, their hands firmly intertwined together. The way Dokja comfortably leaned into Joonghyuk's space while Joonghyuk looked down at him with impossibly soft eyes.
All of these were captured through expertly placed brush strokes, not a single one wasted.Dokja had never regarded his appearance as anything special, he was average looking at best. Because of this, he was far used to the offhand comments people would make about his looks when they were bored of calling him a murderer's son. Even his novel counterpart hadn't been able to escape such comments, being called squid, ugly ahjussi, and a list of other names. So, he'd never really seen the value of keeping pictures of himself, much less having such a beautiful portrait done.
But seeing the painting in his hands of him and Joonghyuk sharing a simple moment of closeness with each other, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the park as their backdrop, made him understand. Suddenly, he almost felt giddy of the prospect of being able to look at this painting every time he wanted to remember this exact moment.
"Do you really like it that much?"
"Mhm!" Dokja eagerly nodded his head, his eyes still fixed on the painting in his hand.
"…mn, when we get back I'll help hang it up in you room then."
Dokja looked at him in surprise, "Eh, it's really fine I can get one of the servants to do it… oh, but are you sure you don't want to keep it yourself?" Dokja asked with his head tilted towards Joonghyuk, but Joonghyuk just shook his head.
" You seem happier when you look at it. Besides I can always see it whenever I come over to your home anyway."Embarrassed at the fact that his eagerness showed so plainly on his face but glad that he'd be able to gaze at the painting every day, Doka turned to give Joonghyuk a big appreciative smile, a light blush coloring his face.
"Thank you, Joonghyuk. I'll be taking you up on your off then," Dokja murmured, bumping his shoulder into Joonghyuk's as Dokja leaned into him. Joonghyuk didn't say anything, only gingerly taking the canvas from Dokja's grasp and tucking it under his arm, then going to take Dokja's hand within his own again. Joonghyuk then looked up at the darkening sky, midday was rapidly approaching sunset, with the orange hues of the sky casting an almost blonding light on the park.
"Let's go back now" he said while Dokja just nodded to him.As they walked away from the park, Joonghyuk couldn't help but feel a little remorse, not wanting to let go of the sense of peace and contentment he allowed to wash over him for the day. The troubles and challenges of the day seemed to fade away, as if the weight of the world had momentarily lifted from Joonghyuk's shoulders.
Letting his selfish thoughts wander, rather than wanting a simple painting to commemorate the moment they shared in the park, Joonghyuk would rather keep this experience in a bottle, one that only Joonghyuk and Dokja could share and relive as much as they wanted to. If only today didn't have to end…
For a second, Joonghyuk couldn't help but be caught off by his own self-indulgent thoughts. For so much of his life,he had always been fighting for someone else, first the emperor, then his mother, at one point, Lee Seolhwa, and now Yoo Mia. The fleeting moments of cruelty and bloodshed that he partook in to satisfy his own ego were just that: fleeting. No lasting joy to be had, no overall betterment of his life. But that was fine, it seemed Joonghyuk would always be a means for others to find their own happiness, whether or not he willfully went along with it would always be his own choice to make.
But now… Joonghyuk couldn't help but fixate his gaze on Dokja. This man, who'd sparked incredible fury in him like no other person had, who he'd thought to be an irredeemable bastard, whose cocky smirks Joonghyuk wanted to wipe off at all costs, had made Joonghyuk want to be selfish, to disregard everything else around them and be absorbed into the universe that lay beyond his eyes.
Dokja and Joonghyuk continued walking with each other in comfortable silence, simultaneously in their own little bubble excluding everything but the two of them, but still oblivious to the thoughts going through each other's heads. Unbeknownst to them, however, the people around them began to notice something unusual. A faint glow of gold light emanated from Joonghyuk's eyes, easily mistaken for the reflection of the setting sun at a glance but much too soft be so upon looking closer. It pulsed in increasing intensity he looked at the shorter man beside him, a beautiful sight to behold.
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When Joonghyuk and Dokja arrived home, Mia, one of the three children, greeted them with a curious expression and narrowed eyes.
"Where did the two of you go?" Mia asked, her tone filled with suspicion. Joonghyuk and Dokja exchanged knowing glances, as if sharing a secret, only making the children more curious.
"It's a secret..." Dokja said with a smile, a finger raised up to his lips. The children's eyes settled on the painting comfortably in Joonghyuk's arms.
Ah, they went on a date.